Pokemon Nicknames: Disney (6)

Working my way through replaying Pokemon Yellow and catching more on Pokemon Go (thank you, Explorer Gadget), I have Pokemon on my mind (when don’t I?) so I have another round of fun Disney nicknames for your Pokemon (fun for me at least). Here we go with another handful:

Dedenne as Gus Gus

Nickit as Nick Wilde

Tepig as Pua

Purugly as Machiavelli

Tirtouga as Squirt

Quaxly as Donald

Diglett as Mole

Mantine as Tala

Raboot as Judy Hopps

Disney-Themed Pokemon Nicknames:

• Gen I: Part 1
• Gen II: Part 2
• Gen III-V: Part 3
• Gen VI-VII: Part 4
• Additional: Part 5
• Additional (2): Part 6

A Case of Mistaken Identity: Moana

The live-action Moana is currently in theaters. I'll reserve judgment until I see it myself--We all know that live-action adaptations are hit and miss. In this stage of life (two little kids and a pregnant wife) there's virtually no chance of me seeing this movie until it's on Disney Plus. So instead of writing about the new Moana, I have some thoughts about her journey in the animated feature film.

As I began re-watching Moana in preparation for this blog post, I commented to Russell that this movie could easily be a case study about mistaken identity: Moana, Maui, Te Ka. The theme of identity is strong throughout Moana’s journey (and to a lesser extent in its sequel). While I could write about Maui or Te Ka (which I may yet do) I wanted to start with Moana. 

This daughter of the chief spends the whole movie trying to figure out who she is and what her purpose is. She feels compelled to venture into the ocean, but also loves her island and wants to be a good chief someday.

At first, these two things are contradictory in her mind. Her heart calls her to the ocean but her father wants her to focus on Motonui. There’s nothing wrong with her father’s counsel to find her purpose “where you are”. In fact, it’s not unlike President Uchtdorf’s counsel to “lift where you stand”. There’s something powerful in being able to “find happiness right where you are.” Moana felt the call to do more, but also served where she was until a formal call came. (PS: I think it’s notable that the call came after she learned about her ancestors—perhaps a tie in to family history there)

In the meantime, she struggled to wait for the call (which eventually came from her Gramma Tala). She knew she felt the call to see “how far [she’d] go” but also recognized her weakness. Her weakness was further pointed out and ridiculed when Maui joined her. 

When Maui left, Moana felt the weight of her call and her inadequacies even stronger. She couldn’t fathom why the ocean would choose her to pursue this mission. For a moment she gave it because it was too heavy for her to bear. As Gramma Tala’s spirit came to her, Moana strength through her grandmother’s validation and her influence helped Moana to integrate all she had learned about herself from the journey. The Holy Spirit can do the same for us and not just in our low moments. 

“Who am I?

“I’m a fur who loves my island.

“I’m a girl who loves the sea; it calls me.

“I am the daughter of the village chief.

“We are descended from voyagers who found their way across the world; they call me!

“I’ve delivered us to where we are.

“I have journeyed farther.

“I am everything I’ve learned and more, still it calls me.

“And the call isn’t out there at all; it’s inside me.

“It’s like the tide, always falling and rising.

“I will carry you here in my heart.

“You’ll remind me, that come what may I know the way.

“I am Moana!”

I love this scene because Moana learned how her experiences and everything she’s discovered has shaped who she is. She doesn’t have to simply be the chief’s daughter. She’s that but she’s also a wayfinder. She’s brave, loyal, insightful, and adventurous. All of these things shape who she has become. And, like her grandmother said in the sequel, “we never stop choose who we are.”

We are our heritage, as children of God. 

We are our experiences in mortality (for better or worse). 

We are the things we’ve learned. 

And we choose who we want to be. 

More Content You Might Like:

• "6 Disney Movies I Could Watch on Repeat" by Spencer
• "Where You Are" by Russell
• "Moana 2 Goes 'Beyond' with 3 Spiritual Lessons" by Spencer

7 Disney Songs for Your Workout

A while back on the podcast, Russell and I discussed Disney songs for your running playlist. I have dabbled with running (especially during the pandemic, when Russell and I ran together) but I'd rather dive straight into strength training. If you're like me, you might like some Disney music to keep yourself motivated while lifting weights. I'm working on a larger playlist, but here are a few recommendations so far. I've put these songs (and others) on our Spotify recommendations, so check out the full ongoing playlist here.

One Last Hope (Hercules)

It's a bit of a goofy one, but Hercules literally trains to this song.

I’ll Make a Man Out of You (Mulan)
If this isn't on your workout mix, you're not ready to "get down to business".

Dig a Little Deeper (The Princess and the Frog)
For those times you need to dig deep inside to get those last few reps.

Show Yourself (Frozen 2)
Just a reminder to show up for yourself and find your motivation. 

Surface Pressure (Encanto)
There's some unhealthy people-pleasing in this, but just focus on being as strong as Luisa.

Can I Get a Chee Hoo? (Moana 2)
It's a musical pep talk from the muscled Maui. What's not to like?

Kick It Up a Notch (Phineas and Ferb the Movie)
Another pump up/pep talk song. A great choice for when you need to reach that next PR.

More Content You Might Like:

• "5 Disney Movies About Embracing Differences" by Spencer
• "6 Disney Movies I Could Watch on Repeat" by Spencer
• "Where You Are" by Russell

Pokemon Nicknames: Disney (5)

I thought I had finished doing Disney-themed Pokemon nicknames (at least through the generations I was familiar with) but while watching Disney movies with my daughters, I thought of plenty more--we're pretty much always watching a Disney movie. I felt like I had too many new ones to fit in another blog post, so here's a sampling of the new nicknames I came up with. 

Vaporeon as Ariel

Mankey as Spot

Talonflame as Maui

Morpeko as Hamsterviel

Krabby as Sebastian

Kricketune as Jiminy

Torchic as Hei Hei

Psyduck as Ducky Momo

Spheal as Gerald

Venonat as PT Flea

Disney-Themed Pokemon Nicknames:

• Gen I: Part 1
• Gen II: Part 2
• Gen III-V: Part 3
• Gen VI-VII: Part 4
• Additional: Part 5
• Additional (2): Part 6

6 Disney Movies I Could Watch on Repeat

Remember when you were a kid and you got enthralled with a new movie and would end up watching it on repeat? For me, apparently it was Alice in Wonderland. As a young parent, I get to revisit this experience with my daughters, like when they got obsessed with Frozen and Tangled (right now they're loving Shrek). Even as an adult, I get in that mode where I have my comfort show/movie. Digimon, Narnia, and plenty of others I can watch whenever I need a nostalgia boost (frankly after this past week, I think we could all use a boost). Disney has some great rewatchables so here are six of my go-to movies.

Emperor's New Groove

This movie is absolutely ridiculous and I love it. Half the things in this movie don't make sense (Kronk outright admits that toward the end of the movie) and I love it. Additionally, it's rare to have a "bad" guy as the protagonist. By the end of the movie, Kuzco is a good guy too, but the premise is pretty unique among Disney movies. Having the depth of a character like Kuzco juxtaposed with the comedy of the movie only adds to the ridiculousness. Also, this movie is one that I've been known to quote frequently in everyday conversation. And who needs the Fourth Wall anyway?

Christopher Robin

Winnie the Pooh was my little brother's repeated movie, but since becoming a father this movie hits even deeper. How many things on my to-do list are actually productive for my family? Or do they take my heart away from what they really need? In addition, we have the ridiculousness juxtaposing the seriousness. The antics of Pooh and his friends drive the adult Christopher Robin crazy. It wasn't until he embraced the nostalgia of his childhood that things improved.

Wreck-It Ralph

Particularly in Ralph's first movie, the tension of moving away from being a villain, despite being a "bad guy" pulls me in. It's anyone who spirals in feelings of shame would understand. While Ralph tries to find his place among the video game characters, he also sought for acceptance among the characters in his game. You can see throughout the movie how Felix's feelings towards Ralph evolve, from coworker to friend to brother. 

Moana

Both movies hit the spot for me, the original and the sequel. A Disney Princess without a prince, Moana overstepped cultural norms repeatedly on her island. Her passion for the ocean was forbidden, which naturally only makes a teenager want to embrace it more. Also, I love how Moana's friendship with Maui evolves during the first movie, wonderfully carrying over to the sequel.

Lilo and Stitch

The original. I still haven't seen the live-action. It's another ridiculous movie! A little girl adopts an alien as a dog. Of course antics ran high. The sisters had a tragic backstory and Stitch had to work his way into their already difficult family dynamics. The importance of family is no small thing here. And who doesn't love getting a hug from Stitch at Disneyland?

Mulan

Despite it's cringey sequel, the first Mulan is a fan favorite among Disney Princess movies. Maybe it's because of the music (including the voice of Brother Donny Osmond). Who can help from cracking into "I'll Make a Man Out of You" during some car karaoke? Mulan messed with cultural norms even more than Moana and is loved for it. I still have yet to see the live-action version (you may see a pattern about my feelings of the live-action remakes) but I can't imagine it'll match up to the original. Also, I love Mushu, so there's that.

As I wrote this, the theme of "identity" comes through each movie. Kuzco grew into a beloved emperor. Christopher Robin found his footing as a working father. Ralph fought for acceptance of himself from within and from his neighbors. Moana learned to embrace her passions despite the cultural norms she faced. Stitch changed from being a compulsively destructive force to being a loving family member to Nani and Lilo. And while working to save her father from danger, Mulan discovered a bit about herself and who she wanted to become.

The obvious answer to close out this blog post: Which movies (Disney and otherwise) are on your list of perpetual rewatch? 

LDS Geeks Podcast #46: Disney Songs (5)

It's still hot outside, but as the weather starts to cool down, some people will try to get into running (again). If you need some recommendations to get you moving, check out our discussion about Disney songs for your running playlist! And check out our ongoing Disney running playlist here.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 46 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show notes:

00:12 - Introductions
03:02 - Spencer's Recommendation: "The Demigod Diaries" by Rick Riordan
05:54 - Russell's Recommendation: Frozen Junior Stage Play
09:08 - Honorable Mentions:
            "How Far I'll Go" (Moana)
            "Go the Distance" (Hercules)
            "Let It Go" (Frozen)
10:29 - "Oo-De-Lally" (Robin Hood)
13:51 - "Beyond" (Moana 2)
            LDS Geeks Podcast #30: Animorphs Overview
                Show Notes: click here
                Spotify: click here
                Apple Podcasts: click here
19:32 - "On My Way" (Brother Bear)
23:28 - "One Jump Ahead" (Aladdin)
25:42 - The Power of Music + Exercise
30:55 - Conclusion

Where You Are

         I’ve said it before and will probably continue to say it as long as I keep writing and saying things that people listen to or read but music is a powerful way of communicating emotions, ideas, and thoughts about a myriad of topics. This post will center on a song from the first Moana movie and some lessons and thoughts I’ve had from it. The song is “Where you are” which is a favorite to listen to and watch in our household. It sets the stage for the conflict that Moana has between her love and desire to be at sea and her love and desire to do what her parents want her to do. The most recent time I heard the song, I was reminded of two general conference talks about being present where you are. The first was a talk from Elder Stanley G. Ellis, then a general authority seventy.

“One thing we have often been taught is to bloom where we are planted⁠. Yet sometimes we are tempted to migrate to some new area, thinking our children will have more friends and therefore better youth programs.

"Brothers and sisters, do we really think the critical factor in the salvation of our children is the neighborhood where we live? The apostles and prophets have often taught that what happens inside the home is far more important than what our children encounter outside. How we raise our children is more important than where we raise them.

"Certainly there are other factors involved in deciding where to live, and thankfully, the Lord will guide us if we seek His confirmation.”

The connection between this quote and the song, “Where You Are” comes in the phrase, “bloom where you are planted.” I love the phrase from the song, “you can find happiness right where you are!” Moana felt the pull to go to the ocean but perhaps before doing so, she needed to learn to find happiness in her current circumstances. Sometimes, especially in a world of social media where comparison can truly be a thief of joy, it can be easy to see another’s circumstances and think that I need to change my location or do something different to be happy.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m always a fan of improving one’s situation, but I believe the Lord can help us do as President Nelson has taught and find joy no matter the circumstances of our life.

Another talk that came to mind while considering the idea of “finding happiness where you are” was from President Unchtdorf, then second counselor in the first Presidency. He shared the following story in October 2008: 

“Some years ago in our meetinghouse in Darmstadt, Germany, a group of brethren was asked to move a grand piano from the chapel to the adjoining cultural hall, where it was needed for a musical event. None were professional movers, and the task of getting that gravity-friendly instrument through the chapel and into the cultural hall seemed nearly impossible. Everybody knew that this task required not only physical strength but also careful coordination. There were plenty of ideas, but not one could keep the piano balanced correctly. They repositioned the brethren by strength, height, and age over and over again—nothing worked.

"As they stood around the piano, uncertain of what to do next, a good friend of mine, Brother Hanno Luschin, spoke up. He said, 'Brethren, stand close together and lift where you stand.'

"It seemed too simple. Nevertheless, each lifted where he stood, and the piano rose from the ground and moved into the cultural hall as if on its own power. That was the answer to the challenge. They merely needed to stand close together and lift where they stood.

"I have often thought of Brother Luschin’s simple idea and have been impressed by its profound truth. Tonight I would like to expand on that simple concept, ‘lift where you stand.’”

This is another illustration of the importance of doing what you can where you are. Moana never gave up on her dreams of being an explorer and going to sea but she did her part to lead when she could. She “lifted where she could.” 

With all I have written here, I feel the need to explain that I am not advocating for staying idle or staying in an unhealthy relationship or situation, rather I am simply trying to share that there is something about being present and doing what you can to make a difference “where you are.”

Moana 2 Goes "Beyond" with 3 Spiritual Lessons

Last month, we took our five-year-old to see Moana 2 for her birthday. It was her first time at the movie theater and if her hanging off the handrail (like Moana hanging on the boat) is any indication, she loved the movie. Sequels are always hit and miss and while I can't pinpoint if I liked Moana 2 more or less than the original, but it resonated with me and hit me hard in the feels.

Spoilers ahead.

My 5-year-old was literally hanging onto the railing like this.

Going Beyond

Shortly after finding "Beyond" on Spotify, I shared my initial impressions about the song on the podcast. I went into the movie without much context for the song and was kind of worried that the context of the movie might change the song for me. Not so. 

With Moana going further than her ancestors had gone before, she risks never returning to her sister and she has to face fears she didn't know she had. Like her grandmother's spirit tells her in the movie, three years after her initial voyage with Maui, she knows what she has to lose now. This (the song and movie) all happened as I accepted and prepared for a new job. I was at my last job for over three years (not unlike Moana 2 taking place three years after the original).

Going beyond what's known or familiar is scary. I started my new job last week and I'm reminded how much I struggle with change--even when I know it's the right move. It's a good thing that my daughter loves "Beyond" so much because I've been using it as my anthem to give me strength when I feel too stressed or intimidated by all the changes. The fear is still there and there have been plenty of tears (the movie made my wife and I both cry) but there is resolve. 

I loved seeing other ancestors, like Tautai, as animal spirits.

Isolation

I tried to find the exact quote but couldn't, so I'll have to paraphrase. When the spirit of Tautai Vasa appeared to Moana to set off the adventure, he told Moana that isolation would be the end of their story. That's why the journey in Moana 2 was so important... Nalo had separated the peoples of the ocean and kept them isolated for generations. To join together and to grow together would mean life for Moana's people.

Similarly, the adversary often tries to keep us in isolation. Through sin, addiction, mental health struggles, or whatever else he can use against us, Satan wants us to stay isolated because he knows that's how our stories end. Before I met my wife, I thought of abandoning roommate life and living by myself. A wise bishop reminded me that "it is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18) and while that scripture is directly related to Adam's need for Eve, I've never forgotten how it applied to me. Sure, some people thrive living on their own, but I think that bishop knew me well enough to know that I'd end up isolated.

We need other people in our stories. That's why we have families. That's why we have the Church. And I can tell you the difference it makes for me when I reach out and actively avoid isolation (and I can "isolate" even when I'm surrounded by family, coworkers, patients, etc.). Even just in my first week, I noticed the difference I felt mentally and emotionally when I tried connecting with patients and coworkers, instead of letting myself drift into the background because I'm new and insecure. So while there's something to be said for "me time", nothing good comes from isolation. 

Getting Lost

I'm the type of person who likes to know what to expect and to have a certain amount of structure in my day. Even on a day off, I like to have a certain amount of plan to optimize my self-care (if that's even possible). Part of going "beyond" has meant having no clue what to expect in my new job and the new year. It's meant trusting in the Spirit's guidance as I figure life out day by day. 

While on the surface it sounded like a classic villain song, Matangi's "Get Lost" can be encouraging. Though it sounded like she was manipulating Moana, her advice was not unfounded. Despite my wish to have a clear path, my life has never played out like that. Sometimes the best advice really is to "get lost" and try something unexpected. Combine that advice with Anna's "The Next Right Thing" and it can be helpful in getting out of the rut I feel when stressors feel too heavy to carry. 

I could have a perfect to-do list and plan to get everything done and check all the boxes. Sometimes the best thing to do is go with the flow and "get lost". I don't know. I'm still figuring that one out, but in the movie Moana thought she knew exactly what to do or what she was supposed to do. And while Matangi's song sounded manipulative, it showed Moana how to get out of her own way so that she could rescue her crew (and Maui) and save her people.

"Beyond" These Lessons

I feel like I could keep saying more and more about this movie and the lessons I've learned from it and the songs. There are themes throughout the movie pointing towards identity, community, leadership, diversity, and self-confidence. I'll certainly watch it again after it hits Disney Plus (and I'm sure my daughter hanging off the couch this time) so don't be surprised if there's more Moana content from me in the future. Just like the credit scene setting up another sequel or Disney Plus series, there's more to come here.

LDS Geeks Podcast #32: Disney Songs (3)

Heading into a new year, people will inevitably start making resolutions (and hopefully keeping them). So for those setting goals or need something for a new start, check out the discussion Russell and I had about some more of our favorite Disney songs. And check out our ongoing playlist of favorite good mood songs here.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 32 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

00:11 - Introduction
00:42 - Spencer's Recommendation: Visser
            Available for purchase on Audible
05:40 - Russell's Recommendation: "The Christmas Story" and "An Unexpected Christmas" from St Paul’s Arts n Kids 

09:38 -  “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana
            "Is it the Holy Ghost or Me?" by David A. Bednar
            "Your Potential, Your Privilege" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

17:25 - "A Whole New World" from Aladdin
21:39 - "What Else Can I Do?" from Encanto
27:21 - "I've Got a Dream" from Tangled
            "We've Got a Dream!" by Russell

33:27 - "Stand Out" from A Goofy Movie
34:47 - Conclusion